Sliding roof shade

ABSTRACT

Sliding roof shed, especially apt to provide shelter from the sun, rain, hail, snow to large surfaces such as parking lots in shopping centers or the like, which consists of a supporting structure defined by L profiles separately arranged, among which the surface to be covered is defined, from which the vertical post is integral of the ground and the remaining longitudinal beam is away from the ground as much as necessary. A laminar sheltering surface is placed between two horizontal posts, away from each other, which may be defined by a cloth, canvas, plastic sheet or the like, rectangular frame, which presents, in correspondence with its lateral edges, several interface accessories each of which holds at least one wheel that slides on a rail affixed to the above-referred longitudinal beam. Devices helping operator move the sheltering surface may be added, such as a rod affixed to its free extremes or a mechanism having steel wires affixed to its edge, together with an operating handle. The lower edge of this surface may be tensed with a descending pitch so as to enable rainwater drainage.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention consists in a sliding roof shed of the kind used to provide shelter from the sun or rain to automobiles and the like. Specifically, it refers to sheltering roofs having a folding surface of a laminar material similar to canvas, frame, cloth or similar product which includes a system to retract the said canvas and thus remove the sheltering medium whenever appropriate. This is of particular use in areas where there are strong winds or storms hail and/or very strong winds due to the fact that, because of the possibility of retracting the sheltering surface, the structure is protected from unnecessary wear and, in certain cases, damage to the structure is avoided. Moreover, its retraction is useful when necessary in cases of pruning, maintenance works to adjacent buildings or facilities, and it allows for the protected surface to be left in the open air if so desired.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In practice, there are numerous sheltering systems, basically differing from one another in their application. In the specific case of sheltering systems for large surfaces, such as parking lots, at present fixed systems are used. This involves sheds having immovable structures that usually include posts supporting sheltering structures, whether they be fixed or flexible. These include plastic roofs or cloths that are used to shelter cars from the sun.

[0003] These fixed structures are inconvenient inasmuch as they cannot be easily removed when appropriate due to the circumstances. For example, in maritime areas or in those where weather conditions tend to cause strong storms of winds, rain or hail, sheltering surfaces are normally damaged, sometimes ruined and, because of their characteristics, they cannot be easily removed when the storm strikes.

[0004] This invention aims at presenting a sheltering system that allows not only for removing the sheltering surface in a few minutes, but also for enabling the drainage of rainwater eliminating accumulations that might cause damage. This provides the great advantage that the structure's owner can easily and comfortably remove it in cases of potentially damaging strong winds, rainstorms or snow until the storm has subsided in order to place it position once again. Nevertheless, it should be noted that, due to its external design, fixing mechanism, and pitch, drainage is secured through the back centerline, as explained below.

[0005] In the state of the art there exist the so-called home canvas canopies which comply with the requirements stated herein, as they form sheltering surfaces that may be removed when necessary. An example thereof is the U.S. Design Pat. No. 422,668. However, unlike what has been indicated here, these canopies do not include sliding systems of easy operation as the one that will be explained in detail below, but they involve fixing systems by means of ropes, cables and/or wires that are not easily removable. As a matter of fact, this kind of canvas roofs could not be applied to large surfaces such as parking lots because it would be troublesome and it would require a long time to remove a large surface canopy that has been affixed with ropes to a traditional tubular structure.

[0006] Furthermore, it should also be noted that there are very solid roof structures that might very well undergo all kinds of winds and rainstorms; however, they have a very high cost as compared to the solution presented herein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In brief, we may say that this invention consists in a sliding roof shed, especially apt to provide shelter from the sun and rain to large surfaces, such as parking lots in shopping centers or the like, which comprises a supporting structure defined by projecting and semi-projecting L profile structures, separately distributed, among which the surface to be covered is defined, of which the vertical post is integral to the ground and the remaining longitudinal beam is away from the ground as much as required. Between the two separate longitudinal beams a laminar sheltering surface is fixed, which may be made out of cloth, canvas, frame, a plastic sheet or the like, for example in a rectangular way. This laminar sheltering surface presents, in line with the lateral edges, several rings or accessories to which at least one wheel or skid, mounted onto a rail holding it to the above-mentioned horizontal posts in the supporting structure, is attached.

[0008] As will be explained and illustrated in detail later, the sheltering surface can be very easily removed in just a few seconds, because the two edges in the sheltering surface are moved by wheels or skids running on rails designed to that effect, no effort being necessary. Therefore, in the event that strong winds or a strong rainstorm strikes, and this situation creates the need for the sheltering surface to be removed in only a few minutes, all sheltering panels can be quickly removed from a large surface such as a parking lot and, furthermore, they may be as quickly placed in position again, once the storm has subsided, by correctly adjusting them.

[0009] The rail on which the wheels or skids slide may be a C profile, while the number of wheels or skids may be one or more. The post in the supporting structure may be a round profile, double T, square or rectangular section tube or a different one, which includes, as a part of its structure, the C profile rail, as will be explained below.

[0010] Summing up, the present invention is referred to a SLIDING ROOF SHED, especially apt to cover large surfaces such as parking lots or the like, consisting of an L-shaped supporting structure arranged separately from one another, among which the surface to be covered is defined, said “L” includes a vertical post integral of the ground and a longitudinal beam that is as far away from the ground as may be necessary, between two of these longitudinal beams a sheltering laminar surface is placed, which in its lateral edge presents holding devices in a sliding system capable of sliding on a rail set on the structure of the support.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0011] The figures attached hereto are the illustration of the invention's preferred designs, but they can by no means be construed as a restriction to the scope of the invention, which shall only be clearly defined by the claims attached.

[0012]FIG. 1 presents a perspective overview of the proposed sliding roof, which has an unfolded sheltering surface, and illustrates its application for a parking lot. Also shown are the options of the back drainpipe, an additional object to e protected.

[0013]FIG. 2 offers another perspective view similar to the previous one, although this time the non-retracted sheltering surface is shown. In this example we can see a supporting structure having five posts among which four panels are defined, which may be separately removed. The last panel shows that the sliding movement may be in two directions.

[0014]FIG. 3 presents an overhead view, where the position of a car parked below structure in FIG. 1 is graphically shown. The pitch, drainage systems, and supporting devices are also shown.

[0015]FIG. 4 offer a graphical cut that illustrates in detail the canvas, panel or frame, together with its ring, the sliding wheel, and the C profile affixed to the post that, in this case, presents a double-T profile.

[0016]FIG. 5A shows a round horizontal post to which a profile made in two halves is attached; this profile embraces the post and defines the rails on which the wheels affixed to the canvas or cloth slide by means of the above-referred rings.

[0017]FIG. 5B shows a different option, similar to the one of the previous figure, this time defining the space between the rails and the profile surface supported on the round one.5

[0018]FIG. 6 is a cut similar to FIG. 4, although this time it shows an alternative for the profile's attachment, defined by the rail affixed to the double-T profile in the post.

[0019]FIG. 7 offers a graphical perspective view showing the edge of the canvas or cloth, having two possibilities for the ring's affixing to the said cloth, in one by means of a circular hole having a washer, and in the other by means of a hole made in a device that staples the cloth and reinforces it.

[0020]FIG. 8 offers an alternative showing that in the C-profile of the rail slide two or four (two in the front and two in the back) wheels instead of one as in the case of FIG. 4, joined by an axle to which the ring is affixed.

[0021]FIG. 9 shows the alternative with a skid (nylon or Teflon) sliding on the rail; in this case there may or may not be an interface ring. The difference from previous cases is that the internal rail has a concave shape holding the skid, thus the sliding movements and positions can be made in different directions.

[0022]FIG. 10 shows an option for the hooking system, which replaces the one illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 8, by means of a ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In complete agreement with what has been described and illustrated so far, we will now describe the most general features of the invention in order to proceed forward to its details. Thus, we will begin by describing FIG. 1 that shows the set proposed which, indicated by reference number 1, comprises a supporting structure 2 defined by a conformed double-T profile structure, reinforced or tubular, which includes a vertical post 3 affixed to floor 5 in the traditional way, and another 4 that is slightly bent in an ascending way and separated from floor 5 as much as necessary. In this type of structures intended to shelter automobiles, the said height may vary, for example, between 2.20 m and 3 m. Both post 3 and 4 may be of different kinds, for example, they may be profiles of aluminum, steel or iron, with a T, double-T, or round section, among others. The supporting structure is completed by transversals 6 that join the extremes of longitudinal beams 4, and some other similar ones 7 that join their opposing extremes. As sown in FIG. 2, only two of these transversals 7 may be used in correspondence with the extremes of the structure, which does not mean that other posts or middle beams can be added.

[0024] According to what has just been said, the illustrated supporting structure, which is only one example of the many options available, forms an upper framework defined by five longitudinal beams 4 that define four rectangular sectors, each of which is covered by their pertaining panel 8 that defines the sheltering surface. This may be made out of canvas, plastic cloth, ordinary cloth, frame or any other flexible laminar material that may be appropriate for the function designed. This sheltering surface 8 can be in an active position (FIG. 1), that is to say, covering the space between longitudinal beams 4, or in a passive position, that is, retracted (FIG. 2). As it will be explained later, the difference between the two positions is achieved by a simple and quick operation, no special effort being required.

[0025] The above-referred sheltering surface 8 presents, on its lateral 9, a portion of double seam or welt 10 in which several equidistant holes 11 are made in all of the surface and in each of which an interface ring or accessory 12 is set to which, in turn, an L profile 13 is affixed. This L profile 13 presents a hole 14 in one of its wings, where ring 12 is set, and the remaining wing has a sling wheel 15 mounted thereon. The said wheel may be of any adequate kind, whether it be a roller bearing or a plastic, nylon, appropriate Teflon or similar wheel.

[0026] Thus, the lateral sides of each panel 8 present several rings to which, in turn, a wheel 15 is attached. Although these rings are illustrated, in practice other interface accessories may be used between the sliding medium and the cloth or frame.

[0027] The internal side of each longitudinal beam 4 has a series of fixed profiles whose shape is shown, for example, in FIG. 4. In this figure we can see a cut of a T profile 4 section that has two holes 16 by means of which a profile 18 is affixed through bolts 17; actually, it consists of two 18′-18″ half-profiles, each of which has a flat portion 19 and two extreme portions 20 whose section resembles an “L”. When one is placed on top of the other, as clearly shown by FIG. 4, a single profile is defined that has a flat central section 19 and two C profiles in the extremes, each of which defines the rim of rail 21 that is the sliding surface of wheels 15. The above-mentioned 18′-18″ profiles are joined to one another and to longitudinal beam 4 by means of bolts 17.

[0028] It should further be noted that support 18 of rail 21 is a short profile, having only a few centimeters in length, which is affixed along longitudinal beam 4 so as to define the affixing points in profile 21, which forms a rail and runs all along the said longitudinal beam 4 where wheels 15 run.

[0029] From the above description the operation of the shelter proposed is clearly explained. Once the structure has been put together, when the sheltering surface 8 is to be extended onto rails 21, all that is required is a pull from its free extreme and the wheels will then run smoothly on the surface of profile 21, no special effort being necessary. Furthermore, on the free extreme of the sheltering surface a rod similar to the ones used in Venetian blinds may be installed in order to help the operator retract and extend each panel 8 as if it were a curtain; a steel wire, a nylon rope, etc. may also be installed with a handle on post 3 which, when operated, will retract or extend panel 8. These options are not illustrated due to the fact that they are well known in the state of the art.

[0030]FIGS. 5A and B illustrate two alternatives for the above referred supporting profile 18. In the case of FIG. 5A, longitudinal beam 4 is defined by a round profile to which two 18′-18″ half-profiles are affixed, which represent a semi-central sector, and two straight extreme wings perforated to affix them to the round profile by means of bolts (not illustrated). In each semi-circular area a C profile 20 is set, which may form the same profile (for example, if it were made of aluminum or plastic) or it may be welded as a separate part. FIG. 5B is similar to the previous one, differing only in that each 18′-18″ semi-profile has two joined short portions that have a extreme joined by a semi-circle and, from the remaining one, an L profile stretches out, which forms the already referred portions of extreme 20 that hold them to rail 21. In this last case, because of the said short straight portion 22, C profile 20 is slightly away from longitudinal beam 4.

[0031] We will now refer to the structure illustrated in FIG. 6 in which longitudinal beam 4 is a double-T profile, each 18′-18″ semi-profile defines an irregular profile that includes a long flat portion supported on the wing of the double-T profile, and includes a perpendicular wing 24 with a hole 25 for the bolt (not illustrated) that joins the semi-profiles, a short wing 23 that helps hold longitudinal beam 4 to the set, and a C-shaped section that defines the above referred portion 20 in the structure.

[0032] It is obvious for any expert in the art that there exist numerous different kinds of profiles that provide a solution for creating a rail on which the wheel affixed to canvas 8 may run and the illustrated ones, although preferred, are by no means the only ones considered in this invention.

[0033] It should further be noted that wheel 15 may be replaced by a set of two or four wheels, as the ones illustrated in FIG. 8, that enable the canvas to slide more effectively on rail 21. In this case, wheels 15 are joined by axle 26 that is affixed to strip 27 which, in turn, links it to ring 12.

[0034] In the option illustrated in FIG. 9, within the C profile, formed by profiles 18′ and 18″, rail 30 is placed in a semi-circular way; this rail has an open lateral portion 31 and holds inside skid 32 having the shape of a circular segment, joined by extension 33 to the hooking system in panel 8.

[0035] In the option illustrated in FIG. 10, ring 12 connected to panel 8 can be hooked to the L profile 13 that has in its horizontal section a C-shaped ending 34, which in turn allows for ring 12 to be hooked to the system.

[0036] Finally, each sheet 8 may be tensed in the middle point of its back edge in such a way so as to create a pitch that will prevent rainwater accumulation and thus allow for a correct drainage. 

I claim:
 1. SLIDING ROOF SHED, especially apt to cover large surfaces such as parking lots or the like, characterized by the fact that it consists of an L-shaped supporting structure arranged separately from one another, among which the surface to be covered is defined, said “L” includes a vertical post integral of the ground and a longitudinal beam that is as far away from the ground as may be necessary, between two of these longitudinal beams a sheltering laminar surface is placed, which in its lateral edge presents holding devices in a sliding system capable of sliding on a rail set on the structure of the support.
 2. SLIDING ROOF SHED, in pursuance of claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said supporting structure is defined by L profiles made of one of the following materials: iron, steel, plastic, aluminum, concrete, wood.
 3. SLIDING ROOF SHED, in pursuance of claim 1, characterized by the fact that several of the above-mentioned holding devices in the rail are affixed to the longitudinal beam in the supporting structure, each the these holding devices having two semi-profiles joined to each other by means of bolts, thus forming a C-shaped rail inside of which the sliding device is set.
 4. SLIDING ROOF SHED, in pursuance of claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said sheltering surface comprises a part of folding laminar material of a rectangular shape, made of one of the following materials: cloth, canvas, plastic sheet, frame.
 5. SLIDING ROOF SHED, in pursuance of claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said sheltering surface includes different interface accessories duly affixed to its lateral edges and in each of which at least one wheel is affixed, which defines the above-referred sliding medium and is capable of sliding on a rail mounted in the sliding surface.
 6. SLIDING ROOF SHED, in pursuance of claim 1, characterized by the fact that the longitudinal beam presents one of the following sections: T, double T, round.
 7. SLIDING ROOF SHED, in pursuance of claim 1, characterized by the fact that the referred sliding medium is defined by a wheel affixed to a metal L profile which, in turn, is affixed to a ring that is also affixed to the edge of the sheltering surface.
 8. SLIDING ROOF SHED, in pursuance of claim 1, characterized by the fact that the said sliding medium is defined by two/four wheels joined to one another by an axle that is affixed to metal strip which, in turn, is affixed to an interface accessory that is also affixed to the edge of the sheltering surface.
 9. SLIDING ROOF SHED, in pursuance of claim 1, characterized by the fact that the back edge in the sheltering surface is tensed in a descending direction so as to create a pitch for drainage.
 10. SLIDING ROOF SHED, in pursuance of claim 1, characterized by the fact that to the sheltering surface is linked at least one device capable of helping the operator in making it slide on the rail, selected from: a bar affixed to the front edges of the sheltering surface, a steel wire, a rod attached to a handle and affixed to the edge of the sheltering surface. 